HondaJet engine certification tests completed

October 21, 2013

ByAlton K. Marsh

All FAA-required certification testing of the GE Honda Aero Engines HF120, needed to power the HondaJet, has been completed by GE Honda Aero Engines, clearing the way for certification by the end of the year. The milestone marks a cure for the biggest headache of the HondaJet program—failed engine tests that led to rebuilding the engine.

Further endurance tests will continue on the HF120 engine in Tokyo, keeping the engine well ahead of the number of hours flown by the fleet once HondaJet deliveries begin. Initial production will begin in Lynn, Mass., once assembly validation is completed. Production will transition to the Honda Aero facility in Burlington, N.C., in 2014.

"I'm extremely proud of the team's efforts to complete all certification activities for the HF120 engine," said GE Honda Aero Engines President Terry Sharp. "We are now finalizing the supply chain and production readiness processes and establishing our customer service programs to ensure successful entry into service."

The engine is rated at 2,095 pounds of thrust and will go 5,000 hours between major overhauls, the company claims. Honda has produced 20 million engines for a wide range of use, from lawn mowers to boats and cars.

AOPA Pilot Senior Editor Alton Marsh has been a pilot since 1970 and has an airline transport pilot certificate and instrument and multiengine flight instructor certificates, aerobatic training, and a commercial seaplane certificate.